This years RiSE Lantern Festival is scheduled for October 7th and October 8th on the Moapa River Reservation 32 miles northeast of Las Vegas. If you’ve never been to one, it’s something you should experience. Thousands attend the festival to light paper lanterns and send them (along with their wishes and dreams) into the Nevada sky at nightfall.

The festival will also have live music from various local artists and over a dozen food vendors. Parking is available on site with the purchase of a $25 parking pass. Shuttles are also available from Paris Las Vegas for $39 per person.

Valley of Fire State Park

October is one of the best months to camp out in the Nevada desert and Valley of Fire State Park offers two spectacular campgrounds just 18 miles from the festival.

Valley of Fire is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada and includes 45,000 acres, two campgrounds, a visitor center, historic sites, petrified trees and a variety of geological wonders. Outdoor activities include biking, hiking, star gazing, exploring the historic sites and wildlife viewing.

Valley of Fire’s two campgrounds (Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock) have 72 campsites equipped with shaded tables and grills. RV sites are available at Atlatl Rock campground with electric and water hookups. The campgrounds have restrooms (with flush toilets and showers) and an RV dump station. There are three group camping areas that can accommodate 45 campers, though parking is limited.

Since camping is first-come, first-serve at Valley of Fire, you should try and secure a campsite a few days before the festival to improve your chances of getting a campsite throughout the festival. Click HERE to view photos of all Valley of Fire campsites and to learn more about the park. Visit the RiSE Festival website for more information about the festival and to purchase tickets.

Regards, Park Ranger